ISO/TR 25145

Blockchain and distributed ledger technology - Overview of DLT-based collections and collections management

Technologies des chaînes de blocs et technologies de registre distribué — Vue d'ensemble des collections basées sur la DLT et gestion des collections

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 35.240.99 - IT applications in other fields
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 307 - Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 307/WG 3 - Smart contracts and their applications
• Current Stage: 6000 - International Standard under publication
• Start Date: 10-Dec-2025
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Overview

ISO/TR 25145:2025 - "Blockchain and distributed ledger technology - Overview of DLT‑based collections and collections management" is a Technical Report from ISO/TC 307 that provides a structured overview of how blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) can be used to create, manage and circulate collections of physical and digital items. It is an explanatory guidance document (not a normative standard) that summarizes concepts, terminology and implementation considerations for DLT‑based collections such as digital collectibles, music editions, sport moments, art and antiques.

Key topics covered

The report explains terminology and practical topics including:

• Definitions and scope for DLT, blockchain, DLT‑based collection and smart contracts.
• Introduction to DLT‑based collections, including links between on‑chain records and physical/digital items.
• Use cases: music, sport, art and antiques with examples of limited‑edition issuance and traceability.
• Intrinsic attributes of collections managed on ledgers (immutability, provenance, uniqueness, scarcity).
• Smart contract implementation considerations, covering:
  • Roles and stakeholders in on‑chain collection workflows.
  • Typical service procedures and lifecycle steps for issuance, transfer and custody.
  • Basic operations required for collection management.
  • Interoperability considerations between platforms and off‑chain systems.
  • Risk analysis and control, and cybersecurity aspects to protect assets and data.
• Bibliography and references to related terminology (e.g., ISO 22739).

Practical applications

ISO/TR 25145 is aimed at organizations exploring or implementing DLT for collection-related use cases:

• Issuers and creators issuing limited digital editions (music bands, artists).
• Marketplaces and auction houses moving collectibles or provenance records to DLT.
• Museums, galleries and antique dealers seeking enhanced provenance and anti‑fraud mechanisms.
• Platform and smart contract developers designing lifecycle and role models for collections.
• Business architects, legal/compliance teams and cybersecurity professionals evaluating risks, ownership models and interoperability with existing systems.

Who should use this guidance

• Blockchain/DLT project teams and system architects
• Digital rights managers and IP professionals
• Cultural heritage institutions and collectors
• Marketplace operators and fintech/startups in NFTs and digital assets
• Regulators and policy advisors wanting an overview of technical and operational considerations

Related standards

• ISO 22739 (DLT and blockchain terminology)
• Work of ISO/TC 307 (Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies)

Keywords: ISO TR 25145, DLT-based collections, blockchain, distributed ledger technology, collections management, smart contracts, provenance, interoperability, cybersecurity, digital collectibles.

Standards Content (Sample)

FINAL DRAFT
Technical
Report
ISO/DTR 25145
ISO/TC 307
Blockchain and distributed ledger
Secretariat: SA
technology — Overview of DLT-
Voting begins on:
based collections and collections
2025-10-14
management
Voting terminates on:
2025-12-09
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en) © ISO 2025

FINAL DRAFT
ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
Technical
Report
ISO/DTR 25145
ISO/TC 307
Blockchain and distributed ledger
Secretariat: SA
technology — Overview of DLT-
Voting begins on:
based collections and collections
management
Voting terminates on:
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2025
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en) © ISO 2025

ii
ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Introduction of DLT-based collections . 2
5 Use cases of DLT-based collections . 3
5.1 Music industry .3
5.2 Sport industry .3
5.3 Art industry.3
5.4 Antique industry .3
6 Intrinsic attributes of DLT-based collection . 4
7 Smart contract implementation considerations . 4
7.1 Roles .4
7.2 Typical service procedure .5
7.3 Basic operations .7
7.3.1 DLT-based collection creation .7
7.3.2 DLT-based collection issuance .7
7.3.3 DLT-based collection transferring .8
7.3.4 DLT-based collection updating.8
7.3.5 DLT-based collection verification .8
7.3.6 DLT-based collection retrieving .9
7.4 Interoperability.9
7.5 Risk analysis and control .10
7.5.1 Content risk .10
7.5.2 Copyright risks.10
7.5.3 Risk control rules in smart contracts .10
7.5.4 Dispute resolution .10
7.5.5 Authorization checks .11
7.5.6 Other risks .11
7.6 Cybersecurity .11
7.6.1 General .11
7.6.2 Data encryption.11
7.6.3 Smart contract security .11
7.6.4 Access control .11
7.6.5 Network security . 12
7.6.6 Security monitoring and incident response . 12
Bibliography .13

iii
ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 307, Blockchain and distributed ledger
technologies.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
Introduction
Difficulties are encountered in the conventional trade of collections when the collections:
— involve lots of work;
— involve multiple creators and collectors who operate in different environments;
— lack robust value protections.
Distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based collections utilize blockchain and DLTs to enable on-ledger
generation and management of either digital or physical collections, e.g. gaming artwork and antiques.
The following benefits can be achieved:
— preventing the unwanted and unwelcome copying and dissemination of the collections;
— providing effective authentication;
— providing proof of ownership for collections with non-reproducible attributes;
— ensuring the uniqueness and scarcity of collections and avoiding unauthorized issuance or unlimited
duplication of them;
— connecting diverse collections and expediting the development of a marketplace for collection trading.
A DLT solution is not necessarily a replacement for traditional ones. Both approaches can be used
collaboratively to allow stakeholders to benefit from their strong features and compensate for weaknesses.
For example, protecting the rights of the numerous creators who post on the popular social networks:
collaboration and integration of DLT with the social network platforms and their existing authorship
protection mechanisms. Realistically, collaboration with other approaches is the only way forward for DLT-
based collection management.
v
FINAL DRAFT Technical Report ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
Blockchain and distributed ledger technology — Overview of
DLT-based collections and collections management
1 Scope
This document provides an overview of DLT-based collections of physical and digital items as well as
collections management. This document discusses implementation considerations regarding DLT-based
collections and collections management.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
blockchain
distributed ledger with confirmed blocks organized in an append-only, sequential chain using
cryptographic links
Note 1 to entry: Blockchains are designed to be tamper resistant and to create final, definitive and immutable ledger
records.
[SOURCE: ISO 22739:2024, 3.6, modified — The term "hash links" has been replaced with "cryptographic
links" and Note 1 to entry has been added.]
3.2
collection
group of assets of the same sort that have been brought together
3.3
DLT
distributed ledger technology
technology that enables the operation and use of distributed ledgers
[SOURCE: ISO 22739:2024, 3.25]
3.4
collection management
all practices and procedures implemented by a blockchain and distributed ledger technology in acquiring,
documenting, handling, accessing and disposing of collection objects
[SOURCE: ISO 18461:2016, 2.5.10 modified — The term “museum” has been replaced with “blockchain and
distributed ledger technology” and the phrase “cataloguing, storing, securing, lending, conserving” has been
deleted]
ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
3.5
DLT-based collection
digital or physical collection (3.2) that utilizes blockchain (3.1) and distributed ledger technologies (3.3) to
enable on-chain generation or management
3.6
smart contract
computer program stored in a distributed ledger technology (DLT) system wherein the outcome of any
execution of the program is recorded on the distributed ledger
Note 1 to entry: A smart contract can represent terms in a contract in law and create a legally enforceable obligation
under the legislation of an applicable jurisdiction.
[SOURCE: ISO 22739:2024, 3.88]
4 Introduction of DLT-based collections
Collections and collection items are traditionally sold through offline auctions or art brokerage agency sales.
This means the trading channels and audience are limited even when this is not explicitly required by laws
or regulations.
DLT-based collection management offers an alternative way of managing collections and trading collection
items that:
— does not rely on intermediaries (e.g. government or designated institutions);
— ensures that the recorded information is tamper-evident;
— helps to reach wide audience;
— provides more control and privacy to the collection owners.
An example of a DLT-based collection is illustrated in Figure 1. Each DLT-based collection is linked to physical
or digital valuable items and the link information is recorded on the DLT platform. Also, the subsequent
circulation (e.g. trade, transfer of ownership, transfer of an item to another collection) is executed on the
DLT platform through a smart contract.
Figure 1 — An example of DLT-based collection
Properly configured and managed DLT platforms, possibly collaborating with traditional solutions, can help
verify collections and collection items and counteract fraud and illicit trade. It can also record authorship,
ownership and ownership transfers and persistently link collection items with the attributes. This enables
collections to be bought and ensures uniqueness and scarcity. The DLT platform can help to expand the
market for creators and collectors so they can reach a significantly wider audience.

ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
5 Use cases of DLT-based collections
5.1 Music industry
Through DLT, music creation and songs are linked to DLT-based collection with limited quantities.
For example, the US band Kings of Leon launched the music DLT-based collection “NFT yourself" based on
their physical album “When you see yourself”. The album DLT-based collection includes a limited edition of
the album's cover and a limited edition of the album's electronic assets.
The information traceability of DLT provides some royalties to the creators of the music DLT-based collection,
in particular each time a piece of music from a DLT-based collection is further exchanged.
5.2 Sport industry
Through DLT, sports merchandise, including match tickets, collectible cards and other fan-related items,
is made into DLT-based collections and then issued in limited quantities to meet the requirement of a new
generation of fans.
For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) top shot moment produced by Dapper Labs is a
famous sport-category DLT-based collection.
The introduction of DLT undoubtedly brings a new service mode to the sports field. It not only converts
physical items into digital goods and reduces the unnecessary waste of resources, it also further meets
growing consumer demand. What is more, sports projects use sports intellectual property to attract
participants and investors, which effectively promotes the concept of digital collection to the public.
5.3 Art industry
At present, there are several art-category DLT-based collection solutions that allow artists and collectors to
arrange their digital artworks into DLT-based collections and auction them. The art DLT-based collection is
used for collecting, displaying or selling on the platform.
For example, SuperRare is the typical art digital collection platform and has gathered the world's top digital
artists and digital art works.
In the area of artwork, DLT protects the rights of creators and owners and supports the trade of collections
and collection items. The DLT makes a clear distinction between utilization and ownership and boosts trade
in collections and collection items. This helps creators, especially individual creators, avoid the high cost of
offline marketing and distribution. Also, creators and owners are able to earn more through transparent,
automatic royalty payments triggered on every secondary-market resale. For auction houses, DLT solutions
help to verify the provenance and authenticity of artworks. For collectors, DLT ensures the authenticity of
works and extends the usable life of artworks.
5.4 Antique industry
Antique collecting is another field where the value of items often depends on their scarcity, historical
background and authenticity. DLT provides entirely new solutions for antique collecting. Recording detailed
information about antiques (e.g. age, provenance, restoration records) on the DLT ensures the immutability
and traceability of this information. For example, an antique auction house uses DLT to create a digital
certificate for each antique; it documents its complete chain of custody from the time it was unearthed to its
current owner. Collectors can easily verify the authenticity and provenance of the antiques through the DLT
platform, and thus have more confidence in their purchases and collections. In addition, DLT allows antique
owners to display and trade their antiques more conveniently. It also allows more people to appreciate
precious cultural heritages through digital exhibitions.

ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
6 Intrinsic attributes of DLT-based collection
DLT-based digital collections primarily serve as the inventories of the collections and collection items that
enable proper collection management and use. In some cases, digital collections can be recorded on-ledger.
The desired attributes of DLT-based digital collections are illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 2 — The intrinsic attributes of DLT-based collection
— Unique identification of collections: Each digital collection has a unique identifier on a specific DLT, which
can represent a digital or real-world asset object.
— Integrity: DLT solution prevents unauthorized changes in the registered information that describes a
collection and its composition.
— Tamper-resistant: The digital collection's own attributes, ownership information, historical transaction
records and other information are stored in the tamper resistant DLT structure.
— Verifiability: Policy-based openness and transparency of the information recorded on the DLT system
allows the authorized users to query and verify the ownership and other information related to digital
collection items.
— Decentralization: When the issue and trade of digital collection relies on decentralized networks, the
need for third-party intermediaries and corresponding extra costs and delays can be reduced.
7 Smart contract implementation considerations
7.1 Roles
There are various roles in the DLT-based collection system, and smart contracts enable each role to
register an on-ledger account with its own specific set of operational permissions. Smart contracts provide
a registration interface and support different types of accounts, which grants them various functional
permissions. Smart contracts ensure that every operation is executed through the transaction signature of
the account holder, which ensures that the individual's will is correctly and indelibly expressed.
— Issuer: Entities such as museums or intellectual property (IP) holders, who possess the ownership of the
collections. Issuers initiate the application for the issuance of digital collections via smart contracts and
upload critical information such as details about the collections and the planned issuance quantity. Upon
review and approval by the smart contract, issuers initiate the process of issuing DLT-based collections.
— DLT platform administrators: Administrators have the authority for collection issuance approval. The
smart contract enables the DLT platform administrators to set the assessment rules for collection
issuance. Additionally, the smart contract enables the administrators to assign or change operating
permissions for issuers and collectors.
— Third-party audit institutions: This role has the authority to conduct auditing on collection issuance
request. The smart contract provides the interface for third-party audit institutions or an off-ledger
system, so that they can review the copyright and rule conformance information of the submitted request
and decide whether to approve the proposal.
— Collectors: As general users (or enthusiasts), collectors can own DLT-based collections through
participation in activities. Smart contracts provide functions related to collection management activities,
e.g. purchase, transferring, transaction.

ISO/DTR 25145:2025(en)
The smart contract’s application programming interface acts as the entry point for all roles. Its code automates
permission management and enforces every transaction and approval process according to predefined rules.
This enhances transparency and efficiency, while reducing the risk of human error and fraud.
The smart contract can behave in an erroneous and unexpected manner. This can occur due to bugs in the code
or unforeseen interactions with other contracts. A caveat event about smart contract execution can be added.
These roles can vary significantly depending on the specific system design and implementation. For example,
the governance model for some DLT systems does not enable third-party auditing.
7.2 Typical service procedure
...

© ISO #### – All rights reserved Formatted: Font: 11 pt
Formatted: Space After: 30 pt
ISO TR/DTR 25145:2025(en)
ISO /TC 307/WG 3
Secretariat: SA
Date: 2025-08-06
Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies –technology —
Overview of DLT-based collections and collections management

XX stage
Formatted: Space Before: 18 pt, After: 6 pt

ISO/DTR 25145:(en)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax: [phone]
EmailE-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO/DTR 25145:(en)
Contents Formatted: Space Before: 48 pt
Foreword . iv
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Introduction of DLT-based collections . 2
5 Use cases of DLT-based collections . 3
5.1 Music industry . 3
5.2 Sport industry . 3
5.3 Art industry . 3
5.4 Antique industry . 4
6 Intrinsic attributes of DLT-based collection . 4
7 Smart contract implementation considerations . 5
7.1 Roles . 5
7.2 Typical service procedure . 5
7.3 Basic operations . 9
7.4 Interoperability . 11
7.5 Risk analysis and control . 12
7.6 Cybersecurity . 13
Bibliography . 15

iii
ISO/DTR 25145:(en)
Foreword
Foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Introduction of DLT-based collections . 6
5 Use cases of DLT-based collections . 7
5.1 Music industry . 7
5.2 Sport industry . 7
5.3 Art industry . 7
5.4 Antique industry . 7
6 Intrinsic attributes of DLT-based collection . 8
7 Smart contract implementation considerations . 8
7.1 Roles . 8
7.2 Typical service procedure . 9
7.3 Basic operations . 12
7.4 Interoperability . 14
7.5 Risk analysis and control . 15
7.6 Cybersecurity . 16
Bibliography . 18

iv
ISO/DTR 25145:(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 307, Blockchain and distributed ledger
Formatted: Font: Italic, English (United Kingdom)
technologies.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
ISO/DTR 25145:(en)
Introduction
Difficulties are encountered in the conventional trade of collections when the collections:
Formatted: Body Text
— — involve lots of work;
— — involve multiple creators and collectors who operate in different environments;
— — lack robust value protections.
Distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based collections utilize blockchain and DLTs to enable on-ledger
generation and management of either digital or physical collections, e.g. gaming artwork and antique.
antiques.
The following benefits can be achieved:
— — preventing the unwanted and unwelcome copying and dissemination of the collections;
— — providing effective authentication;
— — providing proof of ownership for collections with non-reproducible attributes;
— — ensuring the uniqueness and scarcity of collections and avoiding unauthorized issuance or unlimited
duplication of them;
— — connecting diverse collections and expediting the development of a marketplace for collection trading.
A DLT solution is not necessarily a replacement for traditional ones. Both approaches can be used
Formatted: Body Text
collaboratively, to allow stakeholders to benefit from their strong features and compensate for weaknesses.
For example, protecting the rights of the numerous creators who post on the popular social networks:
collaboration and integration of DLT with the social network platforms and their existing authorship
protection mechanisms. Realistically, collaboration with other approaches is the only way forward for DLT-
based collection management.
vi
ISO/DTR 25145:(en)
vii
© ISO #### – All rights reservedISO/DTR 25145:(en) Formatted
...
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Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies -technology —
Formatted
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Overview of DLT-based collections and collections management
1 Scope
Formatted
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This document provides an overview of DLT-based collections of physical and digital items as well as Formatted
...
collections management. This document discusses implementation considerations regarding DLT-based
Formatted
...
collections and collections management.
Formatted
...
Formatted
2 Normative references
...
Formatted
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There are no normative references in this document.
Formatted
...
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3 Terms and definitions
...
Formatted
...
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
Formatted
...
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
Formatted
...
Formatted
...
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obphttps://www.iso.org/obp
Formatted
...
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/https://www.electropedia.org/
Formatted
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3.1 3.1
blockchain
Formatted
...
distributed ledger with confirmed blocks organized in an append-only, sequential chain using cryptographic
Formatted
...
links
Formatted
...
Note 1 to entry: Blockchains are designed to be tamper resistant and to create final, definitive and immutable ledger
Formatted
...
records.
Formatted
...
[SOURCE: ISO 22739:2024, 3.6], modified — The term "hash links" has been replaced with "cryptographic
Formatted
...
links" and Note 1 to entry has been added.]
Formatted
...
3.2 3.2 Formatted
...
collection
Formatted
...
group of assets of the same sort that have been brought together
Formatted
...
3.3 3.3
Formatted
...
DLT
Formatted
...
distributed ledger technology
Formatted
...
technology that enables the operation and use of distributed ledgers
Formatted
...
[SOURCE: ISO 22739:2024, 3.2325]
Formatted
...
3.4 Formatted
...
3.4 Collection
Formatted
...
collection management
Formatted
...
all practices and procedures implemented by a blockchain and DLTdistributed ledger technology in acquiring,
Formatted
documenting, handling, accessing, and disposing of collection objects .
Formatted
...
Formatted
...
Formatted
...
© ISO #### 2025 – All rights reserved
ISO #####-#:####(X/DTR 25145:(en)
Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: HeaderCentered, Line spacing: single
[SOURCE: ISO 22739:2024, 3.23,18461:2016, 2.5.10 modified — The term “museum” has been replaced with
Formatted: Font color: Auto
“blockchain and DLTdistributed ledger technology” and the sentencephrase “cataloguing, storing, securing,
lending, conserving” has been deleted]
Formatted: Source
Formatted: Font color: Auto
3.5 3.5
DLT-based collection Formatted: Font color: Auto
digital or physical collection (3.3)(3.2) that utilizes blockchain (3.1)(3.1) and distributed ledger technologies
Formatted: Font color: Auto, English (United States)
(3.3)(3.3) to enable on-chain generation or management
Formatted: TermNum2, Indent: Left: 0 cm, First line: 0
ch, Space Before: 0 pt, Don't keep with next, Tab stops:
3.6 3.6
Not at 1.25 cm
smart contract
Formatted: Font: Italic
computer program stored in a distributed ledger technology (DLT) system wherein the outcome of any
execution of the program is recorded on the distributed ledger
Formatted: Font: Italic
Formatted: Font: Italic
Note 1 to entry: A smart contract can represent terms in a contract in law and create a legally enforceable obligation
under the legislation of an applicable jurisdiction.
Formatted: Definition, Tab stops: Not at 0 cm
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[SOURCE: ISO 22739:2024, 3.88]
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4 Introduction of DLT-based collections
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Collections and collection items are traditionally sold through offline auctions or art brokerage agency sales.
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This means, the trading channels and audience are limited even when this is not explicitly required by laws or
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regulations.
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DLT-based collection management offers an alternative way of managing collections and trading collection
items that:
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— — does not rely on intermediaries (e.g. government or designated institutions);
— — ensures that the recorded information is tamper-evident;
— — helps to reach wide audience;
— — provides more control and privacy to the collection owners.
An example of a DLT-based collection is illustrated in Figure 1.Figure 1. Each DLT-based collection, it is linked
to physical or digital valuable items, and the link information is recorded on the DLT platform. Also, the
subsequent circulation, (e.g.,. trade, transfer of ownership, transfer of an item to another collection,) is
executed on the DLT platform through a smart contract.
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Figure 1 — An example of DLT-based collection
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Properly configured and managed DLT platforms, possibly collaborating with traditional solutions, can help
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verify collections and collection items and counteract fraud and illicit trade. It can also record authorship,
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ownership and ownership transfers and persistently link collection items with the attributes. This enables
collections to be bought and ensures uniqueness and scarcity. The DLT platform can help to expand the market
for creators and collectors so they can reach a significantly wider audience.
5 Use cases of DLT-based collections
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5.1 Music industry
Through DLT, music creation and songs are linked to DLT-based collection with limited quantities.
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For example, the US band Kings of Leon launched the music DLT-based collection “NFT yourself" based on
their physical album “When you see yourself”. The album DLT-based collection includes a limited edition of
the album's cover and a limited edition of the album's electronic assets.
The information traceability of DLT provides some royalties to the creators of the music DLT-based collection
especially, in particular each time an itema piece of music from a DLT-based collection is further exchanged.
5.2 Sport industry
Through DLT, the sports merchandise, including match tickets, collectible cards, and other fan-related items,
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is made into DLT-based collections and then issued in limited quantities to meet the requirement of a new
generation of fans.
For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) top shot moment produced by Dapper Labs is a
famous sport-category DLT-based collection.
The introduction of DLT undoubtedly brings a new service mode to the sports field. It not only converts
physical items into digital goods and reduces the unnecessary waste of resources, it also further meets Formatted: Dutch (Netherlands)
growing consumer demand. What is more, sports projects use sports Intellectualintellectual property (IP) to
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attract participants and investors, which effectively promotes the concept of digital collection to the public.
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5.3 Art industry
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At present, there are several art-category DLT-based collection solutions that allow artists and collectors to
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arrange their digital artworks into DLT-based collections and auction them. The art DLT-based collection is
used for collecting, displayeddisplaying or soldselling on the platform.
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For example, SuperRare is the typical art digital collection platform, and has gathered the world's top digital
artists and digital art works . .
In the area of artwork, DLT protects the rights of creators and owners and supports the tradingtrade of
collections and collection items. The DLT makes a clear distinction between utilization and ownership and
boosts trade in collections and collection items, which. This helps creators, especially individual creators,
avoid the high cost of offline marketing and distribution. Also, creators and owners are able to earn more
through transparent, automatic royalty payments triggered on every secondary-market resale. For auction
houses, DLT solutions help to verify the provenance and authenticity of artworks. For collectors, DLT ensures
the authenticity of works and extends the usable life of artworks.
5.4 Antique industry
Antique collecting is another field, where the value of items often depends on their scarcity, historical
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background, and authenticity. DLT provides entirely new solutions for antique collecting. Recording detailed
information about antiques (e.g. age, provenance, restoration records) on the DLT ensures the immutability
and traceability of this information. For example, an antique auction house uses DLT to create a digital
certificate for each antique; it documents its complete chain of custody from the time it was unearthed to its
current owner. Collectors can easily verify the authenticity and provenance of the antiques through the DLT
platform, and thus have more confidence in their purchases and collections. In addition, DLT allows antique
owners to display and trade their antiques more conveniently. It also allows more people to appreciate
precious cultural heritages through digital exhibitions.
6 Intrinsic attributes of DLT-based collection Formatted: English (United States)
DLT-based digital collections primarily serve as the inventories of the collections and collection items that
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enable proper collection management and use. In some cases, digital collections can be recorded on-ledger.
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The desired attributes of DLT-based digital collections are illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 2.
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Figure 2 — The intrinsic attributes of DLT-based collection
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­— Unique identification of collections: Each digital collection has a unique identifier on a specific DLT, which
can represent a digital or real-world asset object.
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­— Integrity: DLT solution prevents unauthorized changes in the registered information that describes a
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collection and its composition.
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­— Tamper-resistant: The digital collection's own attributes, ownership information, historical transaction
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records and other information are stored in the tamper resistant DLT structure.
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­— Verifiability: Policy-based openness and transparency of the information recorded on the DLT system
allows the authorized users to query and verify the ownership and other information related to digital
collection items.
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­— Decentralization: When the issue and trade of digital collection relies on decentralized networks, the need
for third-party intermediaries and corresponding extra costs and delays can be reduced.
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7 Smart contract implementation considerations
7.1 Roles
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There are various roles in the DLT-based collection system, and smart contracts enable each role to register
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an on-ledger account with its own specific set of operational permissions. Smart contracts provide a
registration interface and support different types of accounts, which grants them various functional
permissions. Smart contracts ensure that every operation is executed through the transaction signature of the
account holder, which ensures that the individual's will is correctly and indelibly expressed.
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­— Issuer: Entities such as museums or intellectual property (IP) holders, who possess the ownership of the
collections. Issuers initiate the application for the issuance of digital collections via smart contracts and
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upload critical information such as details about the collections and the planned issuance quantity. Upon
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review and approval by the smart contract, issuers initiate the process of issuing DLT-based collections.
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­— DLT platform administrators: Administrators have the authority for collection issuance approval.
SmartThe smart contract enables the DLT platform administrators to set the assessment rules for
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collection issuance. Additionally, the smart contract enables the administrators to assign or change
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operating permissions for issuers and collectors.
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­— Third-party audit institutions: This role has the authority to conduct auditing on collection issuance Formatted: English (United Kingdom)
request. The smart contract provides the interface for third-party audit institutions or an off-ledger
system, so that they can review the copyright and rule conformance information of the submitted request
and decide whether to approve the the proposal.
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­— Collectors: As general users (or enthusiasts), collectors can own DLT-based collections through
participation in activities. Smart contracts provide functions related to collection management activities,
e.g. purchase, transferring, transaction.
The smart contract’s application programming interface acts as the entry point for all roles. Its code automates
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permission management and enforces every transaction and approval process according to predefined rules.
This enhances transparency and efficiency, while reducing the risk of human error and fraud.
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added.
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These roles can vary significantly depending on the specific system design and implementation. For example,
the governance model for some DLT systems does not enable third-party auditing.
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7.2 Typical service procedure
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The procedure between the roles and a smart contract is illustrated in the Figure 3.Figure 3. This procedure
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is not universally applicable to all types of DLT-based collections. In practice, it can be adjusted or tailored to
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better fit the specific requirements and characteristics of different collections.
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Figure 3 — The intrinsic attributes of DLT-based collection
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First, the identity registration on the DLT system via smart contract involves multiple roles, e.g. issuers, DLT
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platform administrators, third-party audit institutions, and collectors. This step can include strong (e.g.
biometric, cryptographic) authentication and identification to confirm each user's identity and permissions.
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Simultaneously, the smart contract assigns role-specific permissions that govern their subsequent operations
related to digital collection.
The issuer submits a request for collection issuance. The request provides key information about the proposed
DLT-based collection, e.g. the type, name, quantity, and description. Once the form is submitted, the smart
contract performs preliminary validation checks on the submitted information for format and completeness,
and triggers platform checks to ensure it meets platform policy requirements. The issuer attaches proof of
creative origin and copyright documents to establish their right to issue the collection. The smart contract
then records the request, moves it into the review phase and notifies the relevant parties.
In the digital collections system, after the issuer submits an issuance request, the smart contract plays a role
in streamlining the review process. The smart contract promptly emits an event and the third-party audit
institutions listen to the event and acquire the information about the proposed DLT-based collection. This
notification includes the creative concept's origin, copyright documentation, and other relevant information
that the third-party audit institutions need to perform their audit. The smart contract also
establishsestablishes specific deadlines for the third-party audit institutions to complete their review and
submit their findings, ensuring the process is efficient and timely. Additionally, the smart contract can grant
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the third-party audit institutions temporary access to relevant system data to facilitate a thorough audit. Once
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the third-party audit institutions complete their evaluation, they communicate their findings back to the smart
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